26-05-2025
Sea turtle festival in Port St. Joe focuses on safety and conservation
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – George Core Park in Port St. Joe was buzzing with excitement Sunday as locals and visitors gathered for the ninth annual Sea Turtle Festival.
The free family-friendly event featured dozens of local art and crafts, vendors, live music, food trucks, and plenty of education about our aquatic neighbors.
'We are just kicking off a nesting season here on our beaches in Florida, and we're also kicking off tourism season. So, we want to remind all of our visitors who are coming from far and wide to visit our beaches that our sea turtles are also using our beaches, and the things that they can do to help ensure a successful nesting season,' Florida Coastal Conservancy director Jessica Swindall said.
Visitors of all ages got a chance to learn how they can make a difference. From learning the nesting process to understanding the vital role coastal habitats play in the ecosystem.
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'By turning off lights or using turtle-safe lighting, filling in holes, leveling sandcastles, and also removing any beach gear at the end of the day,' Swindall added.
With a strong turnout and positive community response, organizers say the festival continues to grow each year.
When the festival began, there were 15 vendors. This year, there were around 70.
'When we moved here six years ago from California, we had nothing like this in California. And when I got here and I walked out on Cape San Blas and saw the turtle nests, I thought, what a great thing to do. So, I got a hold of Jessica from the Turtle Center, and I've just been doing turtle patrol since,' Forgotten Coast Lavender owner Nancy Lucia said.
Sea turtle nesting season runs through October. So be sure to give these animals the space and care they need.
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